Global Burden of Disease Fellowship 2027 at University of Washington, USA | $105,000 Salary
The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Fellowship 2027 is accepting applications for its next cohort at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, in Seattle, United States.
- FundingUS$105,000 annual salary in Year 1; US$108,156 in Year 2…
- Duration2 years, with a possible third-year extension
- Who can applyInternational applicants
- Application feeNone
Overview
Selected fellows will receive a competitive annual salary of US$105,000 in the first year, increasing to US$108,156 in the second year. A third year may be possible, subject to annual renewal and funding availability. The position also includes employee benefits such as medical, dental and vision coverage, paid holidays, leave, retirement plans and tuition exemption.
International applicants are welcome, and visa sponsorship is available through the University of Washington. Applicants must be able to work full-time in person in Seattle.
Applications are due by 21 December 2026.
The Global Burden of Disease Fellowship is a cohort-based postdoctoral training programme offered by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.
The programme focuses on developing the next generation of health metrics researchers. Fellows work on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, an extensive international research initiative that measures health loss, diseases, injuries and risk factors across populations and countries.
During the fellowship, participants receive structured training, work with different IHME research teams and contribute to the development of GBD estimates and scientific publications.
The programme combines practical research responsibilities with professional development, mentorship and opportunities to improve statistical methods and analytical processes.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Postdoctoral Fellowship / Research Position
- Host institution
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington
- Location
- Seattle, Washington, United States
- Mode
- Full-time, in person
- Duration
- 2 years, with a possible third-year extension
- Expected start date
- September 2027
- Additional benefits
- Medical, dental and vision coverage, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, retirement plans, transportation and fitness perks, and tuition exemption
- Event
- Date
- Applications open
- October 2026
- Initial interviews
- Winter 2027
- Final-round interviews
- Early Spring 2027
- Selection notifications
- Spring 2027
- Fellowship begins
- September 2027
Funding
- Financial support
- US$105,000 annual salary in Year 1; US$108,156 in Year 2; US$112,488 in Year 3 if extended
- Application fee
- None
Eligibility
- Nationality
- International applicants
- Age limit
- No specific age limit stated
- Minimum degree required
- PhD, MD, DPhil or foreign equivalent
- Work experience
- Early-career researchers; no more than 3 years of prior postdoctoral experience by the start date
- Fields
- Epidemiology, public health, demography, biostatistics, medical sciences, health policy, economics, mathematics, computer science, statistics and related fields
Who can apply
Applicants should have a strong academic and research background in health metrics, epidemiology or a related quantitative discipline.
To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Academic Qualifications
Applicants must hold one of the following qualifications:
- PhD
- MD
- DPhil
- Internationally recognised foreign equivalent
Eligible academic backgrounds include:
- Epidemiology
- Demography
- Biostatistics
- Medical sciences
- Public health
- Health policy
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Computer science
- Statistics
- Related quantitative research fields
Candidates currently completing a doctoral-level qualification may apply, provided they complete their terminal degree before the fellowship begins in September 2027.
2. Research Experience
Applicants should demonstrate experience in health metrics, epidemiology or related quantitative research.
A track record of scientific research, statistical analysis and communicating research findings is important.
3. Programming and Analytical Skills
Candidates should have strong programming skills in R or Python and the ability to conduct statistical modelling, work with complex datasets and troubleshoot analytical code.
4. Early-Career Requirement
Applicants must meet the programme’s early-career experience conditions:
- No more than five years past their most recent degree by the fellowship start date.
- No more than three years of prior postdoctoral experience by the fellowship start date.
- The total appointment in a postdoctoral title cannot exceed five years, including previous postdoctoral appointments.
5. Knowledge of Global Burden of Disease Concepts
Applicants are expected to have working familiarity with GBD concepts and terminology, including:
- Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs)
- Years of Life Lost (YLLs)
- Years Lived with Disability (YLDs)
- Attributable burden
- Age-standardised rates
- Uncertainty intervals
Candidates who need to strengthen their understanding can explore the GBD Learning Center.
6. Nationality and Visa Requirements
International applicants are welcome to apply.
The University of Washington can sponsor visas for this position. Successful candidates must be able to obtain the required visa and work in person at the IHME office in Seattle by the fellowship’s start date.
What you get
The GBD Fellowship is a salaried postdoctoral position. Selected candidates receive an annual salary and access to the University of Washington’s employee benefits.
Annual Salary
| Fellowship Year | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | US$105,000 |
| Year 2 | US$108,156 |
| Year 3, if extended | US$112,488 |
The third-year extension is subject to annual renewal, performance and funding availability.
Additional Employee Benefits
The official vacancy notice lists the following benefits:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Paid holidays
- Vacation leave
- Sick leave
- Retirement plans
- Transportation and fitness perks
- Tuition exemption
Important: This is a paid employment-based fellowship. The published notice does not specify a separate accommodation allowance, relocation grant or airfare reimbursement. Applicants should not assume these expenses are covered.
How to apply
Applicants should prepare the following materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated CV highlighting academic qualifications, research experience, technical skills and publications.
- Short-Essay Responses: Answers to four questions provided on the application portal.
- Three Professional or Academic References: Names and contact details of three referees.
The references may be contacted if the applicant advances to the interview stage.
Check the Interfolio application portal for the complete essay prompts and any additional submission instructions.
Applications must be submitted online through the official Interfolio recruitment platform.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official GBD Fellowship application portal.
- Read the vacancy details and eligibility requirements carefully.
- Prepare your updated CV.
- Complete the four short-essay responses listed on the application page.
- Provide the names and contact details of three professional or academic references.
- Review your application and ensure that all required information is included.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Save your application confirmation for future reference.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so submitting early is advisable.
Fellowship Structure and Training
The fellowship is designed to help researchers develop both technical expertise and independent research capabilities.
Selected fellows can expect to participate in:
- Intensive Boot Camp: Begin with structured training alongside the fellowship cohort.
- Research Team Rotations: Work across multiple IHME research teams to gain experience in different areas of health metrics.
- Journal Club: Discuss current research and developments in health metrics.
- Research Seminars: Present research findings and receive feedback from experienced researchers.
- Professional Development: Participate in research roundtables, writing workshops and other development activities.
- Mentorship: Learn from senior researchers and IHME faculty.
- Scientific Publications: Contribute to research papers, manuscripts and conference presentations.
The fellowship lasts two years. A third year may be offered depending on performance and the availability of funding.
What Will Fellows Do?
The fellowship involves practical research responsibilities and contributions to the Global Burden of Disease study.
Selected fellows may:
- Conduct quantitative analyses within established GBD research areas.
- Develop and refine statistical models using R or Python.
- Work with complex datasets collected from surveys, censuses, vital registration systems and scientific literature.
- Review analytical results and identify data or methodological issues.
- Contribute to improvements in research methods, models and processes.
- Prepare scientific manuscripts and research publications.
- Present findings at internal seminars and professional conferences.
- Collaborate with researchers and other members of IHME teams.
- Participate in professional development and mentorship activities.
The programme is intended for researchers who want to build long-term careers in health metrics, academia, research or global health policy.
Official Links
- Application Portal: https://apply.interfolio.com/195527
- Vacancy Information: https://www.training.nih.gov/jobs/pds-122026/
- Host Institution: https://www.healthdata.org/
- GBD Learning Center: https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/gbd/learning
Frequently asked questions
1. Is the Global Burden of Disease Fellowship 2027 open to international applicants?
Yes. International applicants are welcome. The University of Washington offers visa sponsorship for this position, subject to the applicable requirements.
2. Can Master’s degree holders apply?
The vacancy requires a PhD, MD, DPhil or foreign equivalent. A Master’s degree alone does not meet the stated academic qualification requirement.
3. Can current PhD students apply?
Yes. Candidates currently completing their terminal degree may apply, provided they complete it before the fellowship begins in September 2027.
4. What is the salary offered?
The first-year salary is US$105,000 per year. It increases to US$108,156 in the second year. A third year, if approved, carries an annual salary of US$112,488.
5. Is the fellowship fully funded?
This is a salaried postdoctoral employment opportunity rather than a traditional scholarship. It provides an annual salary and employee benefits. The official notice does not confirm separate funding for airfare, accommodation or relocation.
6. Is the fellowship remote?
No. Fellows must work full-time in person at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in Seattle, Washington. Remote and hybrid arrangements are not offered.
7. Is there an application fee?
The official vacancy notice does not specify an application fee. Check the Interfolio portal before submitting. Potenue has not independently confirmed that the application is free.
8. When does the fellowship begin?
The anticipated start date is September 2027.
9. How long does the fellowship last?
The programme lasts two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension. Any extension is subject to performance and funding availability.
10. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 21 December 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to submit early.
Potenue newsletter
How many fully funded fellowships closed last month without you knowing?
Subscribe to Potenue to discover fully funded scholarships, fellowships, internships, grants and global programs worth applying to. Free, and only from official sources.
